🇱🇷 6 Fascinating Facts About Liberia and Why Its Ties to the U.S. Remain So Strong
Liberia, one of Africa's most historically rich nations, has once again made global headlines after a remark from U.S. President Donald Trump about President Joseph Boakai's English proficiency sparked mixed reactions. But beyond headlines and soundbites lies a compelling national story deeply intertwined with U.S. history.
Here are six must-know facts that shed light on Liberia’s unique identity:
1. Founded by Freed Slaves
Liberia was founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves and became Africa’s first independent republic in 1847. With support from the American Colonization Society and even former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, thousands of formerly enslaved Black Americans and liberated Africans settled there.
Ten of Liberia’s 26 presidents were U.S.-born, and the Americo-Liberians, their descendants, dominated politics for over a century until the 1980 coup.
2. Capital Named After a U.S. President
Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, is named after President James Monroe, a key supporter of African repatriation movements. Many streets and buildings reflect U.S. heritage, including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC).
3. Liberia’s Flag Resembles the U.S. Flag
The Liberian flag features 11 red and white stripes and a blue square with a single white star — a nod to its American roots. It was designed by seven Black American women.
4. A Football Legacy Continues in the U.S.
Timothy Weah, son of Liberia’s former President George Weah and Ballon d’Or winner, now plays for Juventus and the U.S. national team, maintaining the Liberia-U.S. athletic connection.
5. Africa’s First Elected Female President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, elected in 2005, was Africa’s first female president. A Harvard graduate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, she led Liberia through peace and recovery after civil war.
6. Home to the World’s Largest Rubber Plantation
Founded by Firestone in 1926, Liberia’s rubber plantation remains the world’s largest. Though it’s faced human rights criticism, it is still Liberia’s largest private employer and a key U.S. trade partner.
🗣 Trump’s Comments on President Boakai’s English: Praise or Misstep?
During a recent meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared surprised by President Boakai’s eloquence, leading to both praise and criticism online.
While Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said it was not offensive and reflected familiarity with American-English, others see it as a sign of global ignorance about African nations. Still, some commentators, including lawyer Kanio Gbala, viewed Trump’s comment as a “genuine compliment.”